News and Events in the Harrogate District

Buskers sought for Christmas Market

Talented musicians are being sought to take part in one of the Harrogate District’s biggest festive events.

Solo artists and ensembles are being invited to play at this year’s Harrogate ChristmasMarket, which takes place at the bottom of Montpellier Hill from Thursday, 27 November 2014 to Sunday, 30 November 2014.

The busking area was introduced in 2013 and proved hugely popular, with many of the 40,000 visitors stopping to enjoy varied festive music from vocalists and saxophonists to choral ensembles and mini brass bands. The performers came from local schools, churches and charities, or existing ensembles who wanted the chance to play live for large crowds.

Marian Farrar of St Aidan’s High School, who is organizing the busking schedule, said: Although Christmas is still a few months away, the Christmas Market is actually just a few weeks away.

With the new school term well under way, now is the time for musicians to begin thinking about what they will be doing in the run-up to Christmas and to get these dates booked in. I’ve already been contacted by some of last year’s musicians who are keen to return, so anyone who wants to join us should get in touch as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.

The musicians who perform will be allocated a time slot, and will be welcome to perform more than once during the four days if they wish. They can collect donations for their own funds or for other good causes; in 2013, performers supported charities including Follifoot Park Riding for the Disabled, Relate, and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

Now in its third year, Harrogate Christmas Market is proving more popular than ever with both traders and visitors. The 200 spaces for traders have virtually sold out, with just a handful of stalls still available, and the number of coach trips already booked in is far higher than in previous years.

Over the same weekend as the Christmas Market, Harrogate will host the Country Living Christmas Fair, so the number of visitors to the town is expected to soar. With the official Christmas Lights Switch-On due to take place the week before, Harrogate will be well and truly in the festive spirit.